How to Create Fantasy Measurement Systems

Use metrology for stories akin to
the French Revolution, which brought forth many social reforms. One was the
metric system. Used internationally, and during my guide, it became today’s
main measurement method.

When considering scales, imagine how
citizens use dimensions. If your planets animals are bulky buffalo or slinky
shrew size, compare their mass to humans.

WEIGHT

Small-scale weight measures like grammes
and ounces are useful in gastronomy. It’s good having large scales like tonnes or
stones too. Use them for measuring big items, like construction stones.

Weight
Formula & Comparison

In the U.K, we use imperial weight
measurement more than metric. This differs from many countries and cultures.

This is a quick method for calculating
litres and millilitres from pints and gallons.

·500 ml = 1 pint

·4 l = 1 Gallon

Liquid Comparison

If you want accuracy when measuring
liquid, use the table below. You can times, or divide, by the middle formula,
getting your desired size.

METRIC

FORMULA

IMPERIAL

1 ml

X0.035/

0.035 fl
oz

1 l

X1.76/

1.76 pint

1 l

X0.213/

0.213
gallons

DISTANCE

When deciding distance measurement, think
about scales. Small objects needing measuring may be coins, bugs or berries. On
large scales, citizens can judge distance by building, tree, mountain or landmass
size.

Consider town sizes too. You could also
think about distances between neighbouring towns.

Speed
Formula

When measuring distance, speed is identifiable
by factoring time into the equation.

S = D/T or

D = ST&

T= D/S

Distance
Comparison

There are other, rarer, measurements
unmentioned, in the below diagram. You can research others used throughout history
for inspiration.

METRIC

IMPERIAL

1 cm

0.39 in

1 m

3.28 ft

1 km

1.62 mi

TEMPERATURE

I recommend the Celsius scale. Most
people find it logical. It uses waters boiling and freezing point for markers.
Water is an essential life compound.

I estimate alien cultures would come
to the same rational conclusion with similar scales. I am aware that Americans
favour Fahrenheit and other places have their preferences.

Comfortable human temperatures fall in
the positive range of Celsius with uncomfortable temperatures dropping to minus
numbers. The average earth temperature is from -50 C to 50 C, dependant on location
and date.

Temperature
Formula

A quick conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit
is the following:-

F = Double Celsius plus thirty

C = Fahrenheit minus thirty halved

Though for accuracy use: -

F = C*1.8+32

C = (F-32)/1.8

Temperature
Comparison

This table compares Celsius and Fahrenheit,
they crossover at -40. Use it when you cannot find a calculator to use the formulas.